FACTORS INFLUENCING APPLICATIONS PER SPOT IN HIGHER EDUCATION: EXAM RESULTS, AGE, AND STRATEGIES

Purpose: The study aims to identify key factors influencing the number of applications per spot in undergraduate and integrated master’s programs, focusing on high school exam results, candidate age, and application strategies. The research provides insights to optimize university recruitment policies. Design/methodology/approach: The research employs a quantitative approach based on statistical analysis of data from university admission records. Methods include descriptive statistics, linear regression models, and t-tests to examine the relationships between high school exam results, candidate age, and the number of applications per spot. The study also leverages Power BI tools to visualize and prioritize key factors influencing application trends. Findings: The study revealed that mathematics and English high school exam results significantly influence the number of applications per spot, with mathematics having a stronger impact. Younger candidates (<20 years) demonstrated more active application strategies, submitting multiple applications, which increased the average number of applications per spot. The findings also emphasize the diversity in application trends based on candidate age and academic performance. Research limitations/implications: The study is limited to data from a single university in Poland, which may affect the generalizability of the findings to other institutions or countries. Future research could expand the analysis to include multiple universities or international contexts. Additionally, incorporating qualitative methods could provide deeper insights into candidate motivations and application strategies. Practical implications: The study primarily contributes to understanding application behaviors in university recruitment. While its direct practical implications are limited, findings could help universities refine recruitment strategies and support programs. Social implications: The study primarily focuses on university recruitment processes, with limited direct societal impact. However, its findings could support policies promoting inclusivity in higher education. Originality/value: The paper offers a novel perspective on university recruitment by integrating high school exam results, candidate age, and application strategies into a comprehensive analysis. It provides valuable insights for university administrators and policymakers aiming to optimize recruitment strategies and enhance inclusivity.